Herpes simplex virus in the eye.

Herpes simplex (or just “Herpes”) is another name for the “cold sore” virus. It commonly causes local blisters and scabbing around the mouth and nose but occasionally infects the eye where, unlike the skin, it may cause scarring or chronic inflammation. The cold sore virus is a different strain of herpes than the one associated with sexually transmitted disease; ocular herpes is not an STD. Cold sores, however, no matter where they occur, may come back. Factors that may cause recurrence are generally stress related such as fever, major dental or surgical procedures, sunburn (ultraviolet light), and trauma.